This summer I'm going to have a bit more money and a lot more time, so I'm going to embark on a relatively big DIY project. I've been knitting for a few months now, but I've yet to make a sweater, so I'm going to start on a cardigan for myself.

The issues here are twofold:
1. There aren't many knitting patterns for men's things
2. Those that exist tend to think Small = US 40 or so.

Modifications will include:
-Removing shaping
-Tapering sleeves
-Adding a closing mechanism (I hate open cardigans, I'll probably add toggles or buttons)
-Changing the back piece. I don't like the lattice things in the standard pattern, so I'll probably do one giant cable up the back
-Adjusting lengths as needed

You should get on a proper Japanese-fanboi site (like Uncontrol's, I'm being serious) and ask if anyone can find you some men's knitting books you can proxy. there are tons of books and they have patterns that'd fit you.

Thanks for the feedback on the sweater project, guys. Contrary to popular choice I think I'm going with malted cocoa for the color. And if anyone can find me some tasteful Japanese knitting patterns I'd be eternally grateful.

Anyone have any basic sewing tutorials? Particularly for bringing in shirts? More than any other investment, a sewing machine and tailored shirts would really help out my wardrobe.

I have a huge drop (I'm 5.7 and 150 - bulked from 125) which means when I buy button downs that fit my shoulders the lower back balloons out and looks sloppy. Along with darting, I saw something on here before about taking in the sides as a more subtle way of tailoring. I'd love to buy a sewing machine and get too it but could use some guidance.

Anyone have any basic sewing tutorials? Particularly for bringing in shirts? More than any other investment, a sewing machine and tailored shirts would really help out my wardrobe.

I have a huge drop (I'm 5.7 and 150 - bulked from 125) which means when I buy button downs that fit my shoulders the lower back balloons out and looks sloppy. Along with darting, I saw something on here before about taking in the sides as a more subtle way of tailoring. I'd love to buy a sewing machine and get too it but could use some guidance.

Does anyone have any advice about bleaching in regards to bleach concentration vs. time spent in the bleach so as to not weaken the fabric too much? The story: I'd already done a light bleach job on some APCs, shown here: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...52#post4183752 I decided it was time to rebleach and get them whiter, which was why i bleached them in the first place. bleach/water 1:3 ratio or so, bucket soak 3 or 4 hours. They turned white except a few spots, and it looks awesome, except i put them on while still damp and they started ripping at the dampest spots. I may have fried 'em with the bleach, so I'm asking my question above, but they do look cool. I'm hoping they'll be stronger once they finish drying. I'll try to get some pics up. edit: once dried, the jeans quit ripping. How nice of them.

Couple of pairs of deadstock GATs on B&S in my size.. considering buying a pair and messing with them. The most "realistic" thing I could do them is splash paint all over them (or try my hand at a hand-paint.. lol), but what kind of paint would I have to grab? Would I have to get different paints for the suede trim and the leather upper? Certainly won't look as good as MMM hand-painteds, but it'd save me a ton of money.